Main updates introduced by the draft decree and impact on work and residence permits
The Italian implementing decree of the Single Permit Directive: While we wait for the official publication of the decree in the Italian Official Gazette, below is a summary of the main updates introduced by the legislative decree implementing Directive (EU) 2024/1233 on the Single Permit. The Government approved the final text on 9 April, after the preliminary approval of 20 January and the positive opinions from both Chambers. Steps have been taken to ensure transposition within the EU deadline of 22 May 2026.
Specifically, Article 1 of the decree supplements the provisions on the ‘single permit’, already introduced by Legislative Decree No 40 of 4 March 2014, adopted to transpose Directive 2011/98/EU on a single application procedure for the issuance of a single permit. The new decree mainly updates procedural deadlines, information duties, and the scope of application aligning the Italian system with the new EU framework.
The most relevant changes include:
- New deadlines:
- 60 days for the nulla osta (Work Permit, related to affected permits);
- 30 days for the Questura to issue the Single Permit once the application is complete;
- 90 days as the general deadline for issuing or renewing residence permits (used to be 60 days)
- Employer’s duty to inform: the employer must promptly notify the foreign worker of any communication received during the work permit application process.
- Additional information on the residence permit: the card will include details on entry and stay conditions for work, required documents, and procedural guarantees for workers and their family members.
The implementing decree also lists the categories excluded from the Single Permit system. These include: self‑employed workers, investors, highly specialised managers, seafarers, workers posted under service agreement, former employees of Italian companies (12/48 rule), digital nomads and remote workers, au pairs, ICT and ICT‑mobile workers, students and trainees, holders of temporary or special protection, victims of exploitation, persons with serious medical conditions, religious workers, elective residence, and applicants for citizenship or stateless status.
Related Articles
- Single Permit Directive: EU Immigration Law Updates
- Draft Legislative decree implementing the EU single permit directive (Official documentation)
This article was written by Giuditta Petreni and Angela Suprano
